Canvey's three ex-Dover players are set to feature against the Conference side in an intriguing warm-up game tonight as the Islanders seek to bounce back from Saturday's misleading defeat.

Double hernia victim Steve Tilson, who made a brief return in the 2-0 defeat of Ipswich last Monday, played for an hour against Dartford, converting a penalty.

Canvey coach Glenn Penny-father said: "Hopefully he's on course to be fully fit for the start of the Ryman League Premier Division season on August 14."

Pennyfather added: "We're all looking forward to Dover tonight and they'll be using their full team.

"Our ultimate aim is to get into the Conference, and it would be nice if we can attract as many people as possible down to Park Lane this evening because it will be a good test for us."

Canvey's two goalkeepers - experienced Brian Horne and young pretender Ashley Harrison - both used to play for Dover, as did midfielder Scott Lyndsey.

Dartford led 2-0 at the interval on Saturday, before Tilson netted inbetween the visitors' two second-half goals.

However, Pennyfather said: "We missed some good chances and I felt we had about 85 per cent of the game.

"Our passing and movement is quite good, but there are still a few things to work on."

He confirmed he is still in talks with ex-Southend United left-back Mark Stimson, former Colchester midfielder/striker Paul Abrahams and ex-Shrewsbury right-back Michael Dignan, who all played against Ipswich.

Pennyfather said: "We're continuing to try and improve the squad. As regards those three players, we hope there will be some developments soon."

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